I’m wondering if anyone has any experience keeping small electronic devices outdoors. I am getting a hot tub on my back deck and am looking for a cheap little clock/radio/CD player I can keep nearby. Obviously I’d rather not have to bring a radio in and out of the house every time I’m out there. I’ve found plenty of outdoor speakers but not an affordable complete radio system.
The area I have is covered so neither rain nor direct sunlight would be an issue, I’m more concerned with general humidity and weather (here in Richmond, VA we rarely have lows below 20F or Highs above 100F). I have to figure electronics carted around the country in delivery trucks have to be able to deal with comparable temperatures (albeit, while boxed up).
Anyone have any success or horror stories to share? Also, has anyone had any experience with WIFI radios? I just discovered them today and I have to say the Logitec Squeezbox Boom sounds awfully nice if it can really do all it claims.
I recommend just putting the speakers outdors. Many types are available that can withstand the outdoors. Humidity would be the big factor. I have used a few boom boxes outside but never in a humid environment.
What about something designed for use in the bathroom or shower? I have a cheap radio in the shower, and it’s been working great for months now. Mine doesn’t have a CD player, but I know they’re available.
You could use a cheap “shower” radio or you could spend a god bit more and find something meant for marine use such as this example. You would need to get and weatherproof a 12-volt power supply to run this though.
The underlying Squeezebox technology is pretty nice - I’ve got a non-mobile Squeezebox in my stereo system and it does a fine job of playing MP3s. About the only thing it can’t do is play DRM-protected files such as tracks bought from the iTunes store, but there is an easy and Apple-sanctioned workaround for that.
I second this. Just run the cabling to an indoor receiver. Do you have one already? Is cost an issue?
When I use any cord connected electronics outside or near water, I power it from a GFI outlet. I’ve seen video of people standing in water getting zapped with 120V and it was instant death. Nothing like getting zapped wearing tennis shoes, which is only a mild jingle.